LIGHT FLYWEIGHT

Jonathan retained his belt against Vince Paras (PH) on September 22nd in Manila. Johnny Elorde promoted. Both fighters had made the limit the day before during the official weigh-in.

117-111 on the three cards .

In an exciting blow-by-blow 12-round battle, the more experienced WBC # 1 Light Flyweight Jonathan Taconing scored a unanimous decision win over young gun Vince Paras to retain his WBC International 108-pound crown on Saturday (Sep 22) at the Elorde Sports Complex in Metro Manila, Philippines.

Taconing (28-3-1. 22 KO’s), born in Zamboanga del Norte, made good use of his superior boxing skills to control the speed and willingness of Paras who displayed good boxing skills and slick moves, though not quite enough to damage Taconing, 31, who was accurate, precise and in control.

In addition, Taconing made it clear to fans in attendance that his blows carried more TNT than the ones of his younger opponent. Still, despite the high volume of power punches thrown and landed, none of the warriors went through serious danger of being stopped and none was rocked down to the canvas, though Paras (13-2, 11 KO’s) ended the war with a small cut over his right eye, a product of a non-intentional headbutt.

The fourth round was the most intense chapter with both warriors firing-up the square ring with a thrilling, intense, fighting sequence that made fans stand from their seats, Paras taking the best part and surely taking the round as well, one of the few he won.

The action continued highly in the following rounds , with both warriors displaying quality boxing till the end of the 12th stanza when both boxers embrace in recognition of the other’s effort and talent.

With the clear unanimous decision win, Taconing – handled by Filipino star promoters Johnny and Liza Elorde – inches up closer to another world title shot at the belt currently owned by undefeated Japanese Ken Shiro (13-0, 7 KO’s).

The third man in charge of the action was veteran international referee Ferdinand Estrella. Judges Virgilio Garcia, Gil R. Co and Gregorio Ortega.

Supervisor for the WBC was GAB Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra.

Previous title defence

The first round was very close as two judges scored it in favor of Taconing and the other for Galde. Taconing was very stylish and clever while Garde was throwing some power punches that were connecting. The second round was a different story as Taconing outclassed his opponent and stopped him by knockout at the 2 Minutes and 46 seconds. The fight was short but exciting. More to come.

Jonathan Inguito TACONING (26-3-1, 22 inside) was actually supposed to face Armand Dela Cruz. The latter was diagnosed with some medical problems which did not eventually allow him to fight against the champion. So, on the basis of the request send by the promoter and a letter of support sent by the Philippine Boxing Commission (GAB) , the Committee decided to approve the champion to defend his title in a voluntary defence against Arnold Garde.